October 13, 2012
As the situation in Mali goes from bad to worse, the UN Council has finally agreed a resolution that supports preparations for a joint military response that would aim to put an end to the occupation of the north of the country by Islamist extremists. The UN's 15-member Security Council had been reluctant to give any signs for a go-ahead without a detailed plan for doing so, but has now urged for the submission of an invasion strategy within 40 days. The task will fall on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and other partners. The decision will come as a relief to Mali's transitional government which has been pleading for such force, as the top half of the country is ravaged by violent and destructive extremists who have highjacked the Tuareg's initial push for an independent north.
The conflict with the Tuareg secessionists had intensified in January 2012 and it briefly turned in their favour after the military coup on March 22. The Tuareg declared the north an independent state called Azawad, but soon regretted the decision as their inexperience and isolation made them easy prey to fundamentalists backed by Al-Qaeda, whose initial support was accompanied by a heavy price. Historical and religious sights are deliberately being destroyed and strict Sharia law is stamping out the spiritual and tolerant expression of Islam that has been practised by the Sufi inhabitants of the area for centuries. Amputations and beating are becoming widespread as forms of punishment, but on the other hand there are reports of all sorts of abuses, including rape and murder.
The Security Council realised that it could no longer take its time, while the treasures of Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal were being destroyed and looted and while innocent lives were being abused or killed. It therefore decided to act under Chapter VII of the UN Charter which will allow “such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security.”
40 days is a long time and there may be incalculable losses in the meantime, and the ensuing civil war may bring many more. Mali is on the verge of war. Still, these usurping rebels may not be as powerful as they make out. The Tuareg are fed up of them, Al-Qaeda is weakened and the signs are that the general population have had enough of them. Perhaps the sight of a united African force may be enough to scatter the darkness.
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